I am doing research in preparation to buy a 2011 1200 Custom, and I have questions.

The 2012’s are coming out in three months. Considering the depreciation as soon as you sign on the dotted line, plus the bike will be considered last years model, Is now a good time to buy? Or, would it be better to wait for the 2012's?

How much lower than MSRP should I offer to pay. I know it’s better to negotiate up than down.

Will a cash purchase get me a better deal?

Suggestions, comments?

TIA,
rdogs

 

Depends on how bad you want a bike & current finances...

This is the same w/anything (inventory turnover) and yes you'll probably see better deals on 2011 Sporty's after '12's are in showroom. Don't think it really matters though b/c you're not buying anything considered "classic" or "collector" so suit your own needs. Also - the deal's different for everyone so go wheel-n-deal to get a feel for current pricing & if you don't like it...wait. Ca$h definitely talks!

Good luck!

 

Not sure you will see a HUGE difference. 3 months from now will still be prime riding season, and you'll be hard pressed to find a "stellar' deal during that time of year. Bikes move themselves when the weather is good.

 

The holdovers around here are usually the same price as the brand new ones, if not a few hundred less at the most. Still a great bargaining chip when you go to sign the papers for one.

 

There is no simple answer! The best time to buy a new bike is during the winter when the snow is thick and the showroom staff are pleased to see someone walk in the door! With the sun shining at this time of the year they can be patient and wait for you to pay the asking price. If you wait until next year's models you will miss some of the best riding weather. What is most important to you?!

 

I would love to tell you that paying cash will help but it didn't help me one bit when I bought my bike from my dealer. They gave me NOTHING off the sticker even though I paid cash. Yes I could have driven 6-7 hours to Chicago Harley Davidson where they would have given me a deal but I would have had to rent a trailer, etc. Plus I still ended up buying from my local dealer hoping I would get "taken care of" when I went back to them from time to time. I think paying cash is less money in their eyes. They make more money off you if you finance though them. Plus that is how the finance manager gets paid. They want to put you in a loan where you pay $15,000 over so many years for a $12,000 bike.

 

But the 2012's will be water cooled, and have automatic transmissions, air bags & air conditioning.

 

It depends where you go. I just bought my bike 6.5% below MSRP on a cash deal.

 

Do yourself a favor and check the used market. There are loads of low mile Sportsters out there that will save you lot of money if you look just a bit.
Just look before you buy new, you have nothing to loose and a lot to gain.

RAL

 

Yeah It's a BIG Hit to the wallet off the showroom floor,,,

Your gonna change everything anyways right ??
One Mod after another,,,

The Money you save used goes along ways,,for the bling addiction.

2008 1200R,,10,900 new,,,
got mine a year old 1800 miles,,like new 8500 bucks.
Still had 11 months of warranty,,I never needed It XD